Tenant FAQ

We manage single-family homes, condos, multi-family buildings, apartment units, commercial spaces and short-term/vacation rentals throughout Maryland. Each property type is managed professionally to ensure a safe and well-maintained living environment.

You can apply for a property through our secure online portal. Once you submit your application, our team will begin the screening process immediately.

Applicants must meet standards for credit, income, rental history, background checks and verification. Most properties require income equal to at least three times the monthly rent.

Yes - we conduct credit checks, background screenings, employment verifications, rental history verification and reference checks. This helps us place reliable tenants in each property. Note that our screening process is compliant with Maryland and federal fair housing laws.

Rent is due on the first of every month. Payments are made through our online portal, where you can set up automatic payments, view history, and download receipts.

If payment issues arise, contact us immediately. We follow Maryland’s required legal process for late or missed rent, which may include notices, fees or legal filings. That said, communication is important, so please let us know in advance if you foresee difficulty making your payments

All maintenance requests should be submitted through the tenant portal. We schedule routine issues during normal business hours. However, if there’s an emergency, such as flooding, burst pipes, no heat or electrical risks, we handle those immediately. Our team is available 24/7 for urgent issues.

Emergencies include, but are not limited to, no heat during cold-weather months, major leaks or flooding, sewer backups, electrical hazards, fire safety issues and broken exterior doors.

No. Tenants may not make any repairs or modifications without prior written approval. Unauthorized changes may result in lease violations or deductions from your security deposit. If you wish to make changes, please contact us first.

Pet policies depend on the property. If pets are allowed, pet fees or deposits may apply. The lease agreement will detail all pet-related rules.

At move-in, we conduct a detailed inspection and provide you with keys, instructions and access to the tenant portal. You’ll receive a move-in checklist to confirm the condition of the home, which protects both you and the owner. We encourage you to submit photos of any pre-existing concerns within the first 48 hours.

Before moving out, you must follow our move-out checklist, including cleaning, removing personal items and restoring the property to its original condition. We complete a final inspection after you return your keys. If there’s no property damage beyond normal wear and tear, then we return your security deposit according to Maryland law.

Your lease agreement will state your specific notice requirement, but typically, Maryland properties require 60 days’ written notice. You must submit the notices through the tenant portal or in writing.

Lockouts are the tenant’s responsibility. During business hours, we may be able to assist, but fees may apply. After-hours lockout assistance will typically require a locksmith at your expense.

Smoking rules vary by property, but most of the homes we manage are non-smoking. If your property is designated as non-smoking, violations will result in cleaning fees, damage charges or possible non-renewal.

Tenants must follow all lease terms, which include paying rent on time, reporting maintenance promptly, following occupancy and pet rules, keeping the property clean and safe, allowing access for inspections and repairs, following Maryland and local housing laws and more.

Failure to follow lease rules may result in violations or penalties.

No. Subleasing, short-term renting or listing the home on platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO is prohibited. Unauthorized subletting will result in immediate lease violations.

BlackTree Property Management must approve of all occupants before moving in. Unauthorized occupants violate the lease and may result in penalties.

We only enter for approved reasons, such as inspections, repairs, emergencies and legally required visits. Except in emergencies, you will always receive advance notice if we must enter the property.

Please document any noise or community disturbances, noting dates, times and nature of the issue. Then, report the concern through your tenant portal. We will handle the situation professionally as soon as possible.

For questions or assistance, please call 410-513-9313 or email info@blacktreepm.com. For maintenance requests and routine communication, please use your tenant portal for the fastest response.